FDA says it identified new cyclospora outbreak linked to unspecified product - CBS News

What the report says

CBS News reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it has identified a new outbreak involving the cyclospora parasite, tied to an unspecified product. The agency said the source has not been determined. An FDA spokesperson told CBS News that investigators have begun a traceback, a process used to follow a potentially contaminated food item through the supply chain to help identify where an outbreak began.

The new investigation comes amid several cyclospora-related inquiries around the country. CBS News reported that North Carolina health officials are reviewing more than 560 cases recorded since May 1 that may be connected to parsley, cilantro and lettuce. The FDA has also been investigating an outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which has been associated with illnesses in nine states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. That probe led Taylor Farms to voluntarily recall iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

CBS News cited FDA and CDC figures showing the broader scale of the issue. The CDC has received reports of 4,173 lab-confirmed domestic cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, along with more than 7,400 additional reports needing further review. For the iceberg lettuce outbreak, the CDC has confirmed 1,947 illnesses from June 22 through July 20, while some state totals are higher; Michigan reported 7,664 confirmed cases.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite generally spread through contaminated food or water and can cause cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that may include severe diarrhea. CBS News noted that cooking can kill the parasite, but health officials say washing produce alone may not be sufficient.